At Queensland Berries, we take pride in growing high-quality raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries using innovative and sustainable practices. Our commitment to precision agriculture allows us to produce exceptional fruit while protecting our environment and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Our raspberry and blackberry crops are grown under the protection of polytunnels, which are covered in a special luminescent plastic that evenly distributes light, shelters the plants from harsh weather conditions, and creates an optimal growing climate. This controlled environment allows us to integrate emerging technologies, such as automated climate monitoring and data-driven decision-making, ensuring consistent quality and yield. Raspberries and blackberries require careful management to achieve the best fruit quality.
In 2025, Queensland Berries will undertake a strategic expansion into blueberry production, introducing premium Driscoll varieties to complement our existing three berry categories. The Australian market continues to experience strong demand for blueberries, driven by their exceptional health benefits and convenience as a nutritious, ready-to-eat fruit. This initiative aligns with our commitment to delivering high-quality produce while adapting to evolving consumer preferences. By integrating blueberries into our operations, we will enhance our product portfolio, reinforce our industry leadership, and contribute to the growth of sustainable berry farming.
We implement advanced trellising systems to support plant growth, improve air circulation, and make harvesting more efficient. Our irrigation strategy is tailored to these delicate berries, using precision water and nutrient delivery to maximize flavour, size, and shelf life. Additionally, we closely monitor pollination in our raspberry and blackberry crops, as proper pollination directly impacts fruit formation. European honeybees and native pollinators play a crucial role in this process, ensuring that our berries develop evenly with excellent texture and taste.
Our strawberries are grown both in soil and on an innovative system called ‘table tops.’ We are currently transitioning our soil-grown crops to table tops, where plants grow in a coconut fibre mix known as coir. This hydroponic system allows for efficient water and nutrient delivery, reducing waste and enhancing sustainability. The elevated design of table tops not only improves harvesting efficiency but also extends the growing season, ensuring more consistent employment for our team.
A key component of our farming philosophy is Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a biological control system that reduces the need for conventional pesticides. By releasing beneficial insects to target harmful pests, we maintain crop health in an environmentally friendly manner. This practice significantly lowers chemical use and supports a balanced ecosystem.
Bee health and pollination are both critical to our berry production. European honeybees enhance fruit quality and yield in all our crops. Proper pollination results in a higher number of fruits, improved shape and size, and increased farm biodiversity. To support our pollinators, we regularly assess hive activity, rotate underperforming hives, and implement pollinator-friendly practices that maintain healthy bee populations.
We leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability in our farming practices. Our advanced irrigation and nutrition systems allow real-time monitoring and adjustments based on weather conditions and in-field factors. By tracking environmental data such as EC and pH levels, UV radiation, humidity, temperature, and rainfall, we can optimise growing conditions with precision. Sustainability remains a major focus at Queensland Berries.
From protected cropping to fertigation and integrated pest management, we continuously seek ways to improve and lead the industry in responsible farming. We are the future of agriculture, dedicated to protecting, preserving, and progressing for generations to come.